West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed Name Background and Alternatives
The West Highland White Terrier is also known as Westie in the UK. Westie’ became popular in the early 20th century. The breed was originally called the Poltalloch Terrier, after the estate in Western Scotland where they were developed..
Whereas in the United States, the West Highland White Terrier is also known as Westie. The nickname ‘Westie’ became popular in the US through advertising, particularly in the Black & White Scotch Whisky campaigns..
Physical attributes
- Height: ranges from 23cm / 9 inches up to 30cm / 12 inches.
- Weight: ranges from 6kg / 13lbs up to 7kg / 15lbs.
- Typical fur colours: white.
- Eye colour: brown.
- Size category: small.
Health attributes
- Common health problems: skin problems, hip dysplasia and jawbone calcification.
- Usual longevity: 12 to 16 years.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
West Highland White Terrier breed behavioural traits
- Character traits of a West Highland White Terrier: The West Highland White Terrier usually exhibits character traits that include hardy, friendly, alert and courageous.
- West Highland White Terrier obey scale: In percentage terms, the West Highland White Terrier typically scores around 50% on the obey scale.
- Trick repetitions required: In terms of how many times the West Highland White Terrier needs to learn new tricks, expect between 26 and 40 repetitions before they pick things up.
- Intelligence category: The West Highland White Terrier sites in the average category when it comes to intelligence.
- Suitability for children: If you have kids, it’s worth knowing that the West Highland White Terrier is highly suitable for children.
West Highland White Terrier: A Fascinating Background and Rich History
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the “Westie,” has a captivating history deeply rooted in the rugged highlands of Scotland. These charming little dogs emerged from a long line of Scottish terriers bred specifically for hunting vermin in the challenging terrain of the Scottish Highlands.
Back in the day, these spirited terriers weren’t always pure white. The story goes that in the 1800s, Colonel Edward Malcolm of Poltalloch tragically shot his beloved reddish-brown terrier, mistaking it for a fox during a hunt. After this incident, he decided to breed only white dogs that would be easily distinguishable from their prey, leading to what we now know as the West Highland White Terrier.
As members of the terrier group, Westies were originally developed to be tough, independent workers. Their primary job was to hunt rats, foxes, and other burrow-dwelling creatures that posed threats to farms and households. Their sturdy bodies, powerful jaws, and remarkable digging abilities made them perfect for this role. These natural instincts are still evident in today’s Westies, who’ll often be found enthusiastically digging in gardens or chasing small creatures during their walks.
When it comes to their working capabilities and intelligence, Westies have consistently proven themselves to be above-average performers. They’re quick learners with a keen sense of problem-solving, though they can sometimes be a bit stubborn – a characteristic that stems from their independent hunting heritage. In obedience training, they show moderate to high success rates, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used.
Today’s West Highland White Terrier maintains many of the traits that made them valuable working dogs centuries ago. While they’re now beloved family companions rather than full-time hunters, their alert nature, intelligence, and strong work ethic continue to shine through. They’ve successfully transitioned from Scottish farm workers to cherished pets, proving themselves adaptable while never losing their distinctive terrier spirit.
Typical costs for buying and owning a West Highland White Terrier
- Typical purchase price: £425. (Ranges from £217 to £593).
- Expected lifetime cost: £16,187.
- Food costs per year: £220.